Hamilton is World Champion!

And by finishing fifth, Lewis Hamilton became the youngest world champion in Formula One. Alonso was 122 days older when he clinched his first title.

Hamilton's race however, was no walk in the park.

Massa took pole position while the Briton languished in fourth after their qualifying session.

Hamilton's championship dream almost ended on the final lap had he not overtaken Toyota's Timo Glock to take fifth place.

Ironically, Hamilton won the 2008 championship with a one point lead over Massa. Last year's champion Kimi Raikkonen took the title from under Hamilton's nose in the same fashion.

If this season is anything to go by, next season will be another nail-biter. Bear in mind that Alonso and Renault have made huge gains towards the end of this season. Massa will be ruing the chances he blew, and Kimi Raikkonen will be out to prove that he can win it all again.

And if BMW-Sauber continues to be as consistent as they were this year, the 2009 season will have no shortage of contenders.

So what's in store for Lewis Hamilton? He has learned from his mistakes, and he has learned to drive for points. Unless McLaren screws up their 2009 car, Hamilton will be the man to beat.

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Credits: JRC